Yesterday welcomed the first official day of spring and for many it didn’t come soon enough. This winter has been a beast and judging from last week’s storm in Michigan where snow seemed to swallow houses and cars whole, winter isn’t lying down quite yet.
Being from the Northeast originally I always understood that although it was technically spring on the calendar, it wouldn’t quite feel like spring for at least 4 to 6 weeks and sometimes longer. I never planted anything until after Mother’s Day as a general rule no matter how many warm days snuck in with their false promise of the arrival of the warmer season.
I love the warmer days and truly appreciate how many we get down here year-round in Central Florida. On a sunny day in February with temperatures only in the 60s, one can get out and get some sun and fresh air without freezing. This winter, however, even we experienced extremely cold days and nights with night time temps in the 30s, but at least we don’t get the snow and ice and it is always easy to get out and about and that makes life alot easier. I know winter can be isolating for many.
Spring and the Easter season brings the promise of better days, but with its promise of hope, there is also the danger of feeling less hopeful if those expectations are not fully met. We expect to be suddenly happier and lighter in spring time, but sometimes that brings pressure and false expectations that we may not be up to meeting, thus worsening our sadness.
Nights may be shorter, but we have more daylight hours to fill and that can be a challenge. I’m finding that at nearly four-and-a-half years into widowhood I’m able to find more ways to fill in the hours of the day with meaningful activities, but still some days not so much.
I like to spend as much time as I can outside after hibernating during our relatively short winter season. I don’t like the cold so even down here in Florida I tend to spend more time inside during the cool season. With four dogs, it’s easier this time of year to find a reason to be outdoors. Walking with them also adds increased physical activity which is beneficial to my mental wellbeing.
Working on a property that is approximately an acre in a rural setting, there is always something to be done. I’ve come to learn about trees and plants that flourish here and recently planted some Moringa tree seeds. If you aren’t familiar with them, I encourage you to look them up. Called the Tree of Life, and The Miracle Tree, the leaves of the Moringa have exceptional healthful properties. I’ve also become fascinated with Yaupon holly as well whose leaves produce tea. And I also love Goji berry plants with their own remarkable health benefits.
Lately I’ve been thinking of what I really want to do “springing” forward.There are days when I want to return to the art life. I’m editing a memoir and exploring options for publication. But, maybe I’ll buy more property and start a Moringa and Goji berry farm, a pet fostering center, or offer my home base as a destination for painting and writing retreats.
These inspirations change daily and I know they take energy and focus, and as many widowed understand, sometimes that is not easy to sustain with so many practical matters to be faced. I guess it doesn’t really matter what I ultimately decide to do, just so long as I know I’m fortunate to have these options. Just thinking about them keeps me going.
Proceed slowly at your own pace, one that suits your situation and resources. May the longer days help you ultimately find a way forward.
Happy spring.
